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It was my pleasure to visit the Gilmore Primary School in company with Arthur Skimin and Vic Grimmett DFC and our wives. Following a description of a raid over Germany by myself, I then presented the school with a Certificate of Appreciation for their marvellous donation of $8,000 of tree guards for the Hughie Edwards VC Park, and as a memento of our visit, I had pleasure in presenting a copy of my book "Flying into the Mouth of Hell" for the school library.
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WG/CDR K OSLEY: "We consider the absence of a 460 Squadron plaque at Amberley to be a serious omission that needed urgent redress. It would be hard to find a more appropriate location than RAAF Amberley, given that it is, and will remain, the home of the RAAF's modern "heavy bomber" force. The young men and women operating the F–111 aircraft are kindred spirits to those who served in 460 Squadron many years before.
"The proud history and achievements of 460 Squadron never cease to inspire us. Many of the "firsts" achieved by the Squadron provide testament ot the determination, teamwork and consistent effort of all of the squadron members, both on the ground and in the air. One such notable "first" was No. 460 Squadon being the first unit to complete 5,000 sorties in Lancasters. Some other more sombre statistics bear witness to the sacrifice and courage of the aircrews. As you are well aware, No. 460 Squadron had the highest casualty rate of any unit in the Australian Army, Navy or Air Force in World War II. The motto of the unit was "strike and return"; but unfortunately for many of your squadron aircrews the "strike" portion of the motto was a one way misson.
"These terrible statistics are more than adequate justification for the plaque, and something which a piece of brass cannot really do justice to. However, while "heavy bombers" continue to fly from Amberley, and the young aircrew that fly them are aware of the story of 460 Squadron, the plaque will serve as a reminder of the sacrifice and heroic tradition that was forged more than 50 years ago."